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Georgia smiled as they bantered. There was sexual tension between Cleo and Hunter, but it never got in the way of work. Not like she’d let it do with Ash.

“When I’ve got a gorgeous woman issuing the orders, I always stand to attention. In every respect.” Hunter’s grin widened. “We’ll cover your backs out there. Rexx and Daisy are flying us in, and Striker and Wren will also be on board.”

“We’re not taking any chances then,” Ash said.

“We have to get this right,” Georgia said. “This could be our only opportunity to get this sick program shut down for good.”

“You know it,” Hunter said. “See you on the ship.”

Georgia returned to her equipment pack and did a swift double-check of everything. She had her weapons, sedatives to use on any animals, and a medical kit. Ash would carry all the tracking equipment.

It should be a quick in and out mission, but if she came across any Siblet, she’d make sure some serious payback was administered.

“Are you ready?” Ash’s hand on her shoulder made her jump.

She nodded. “I’ve got everything we need.”

“How about in here?” He touched her forehead. “Are you prepared to meet the Siblet again?”

“Yes. I mean, I think so. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“I’ll always worry about you. Even if you don’t want me anymore, I’ll look out for you. You’re my always and forever. Don’t forget that if you think about going all suicide mission on me. You have something to come back for.”

Her heart raced again. Georgia was in too deep with Ash to go back now, and she didn’t want to. She’d never had anyone look out for her the way he did, and it made her breathless to realize how deep his feelings ran.

Worry appeared on Ash’s face. “Georgia, it’s not too late to back out. We can let the others take this mission.”

“I’m not missing my opportunity with the Siblet,” she said. “I can do this. I’m with you. We’ll do this together.”

“I know this is important, and I understand why, but the Siblet aren’t our main focus. We’re here for the white tails.”

“I know. Let’s get to the ship. We don’t want to keep the others waiting.” She grabbed her kitbag and walked out without looking at Ash.

He hurried to join her, and they walked along together, but he didn’t make any more comments. She was glad. Her head wasn’t straight about encountering the Siblet again, but if she confessed her fears, Ash would freak out.

They reached the ship. Rexx and Daisy were already in the cockpit, and Hunter was loading equipment.

Cleo raised a hand when she saw them. “Everyone in. We can go over the final locations enroute.”

They piled into the ship, strapped in, and within a couple of minutes, were leaving the Apocalypse and heading down to a planet called Epox.

Georgia shifted in her seat, not seeming to get comfortable.

Ash gave her knee a quick squeeze. “This will be over before you know it.”

“Everyone pay attention.” Cleo leaned forward and used her tablet to create a 3D map of the planet where they were going. She focused on three areas and highlighted them.

They gathered around, only Rexx remaining in the cockpit.

“These are our key destinations. There has been recent activity in all these areas,” Cleo said.

“Including the Siblet?” Georgia said. “You’ve got visuals on them?”

“No sightings yet. They’re using equipment to mess with any outgoing signals, but activity has been concentrated in these areas.”

“It’s probably a signal jammer,” Daisy said. “They won’t want anyone to see what they’re doing.”

“Most likely,” Cleo said.